In his remarks, Mr Biden suggested that the White House would consider a range of measures.

The BBC's Paul Adams, in Washington, reports that they would almost certainly include reinstating a ban on so-called assault weapons, as well as a more comprehensive system of background checks on people buying guns.

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Can a movement that calls for more guns in the US really save lives?

Also on Wednesday, Mr Cuomo, whose state has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, came out in favour of a ban on assault weapons and on high-capacity ammunition magazines.

"Some weapons are so dangerous and some ammunition devices so lethal that we simply cannot afford to continue selling them in our state," he said during his State of the State speech.

Mr Cuomo also called for follow-up checks for people with handgun licences, to make sure they are still qualified to own their weapon, and longer sentences for gun crimes.

He has been joined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who called on policy-makers to examine the US mental health system and broaden access to drug treatment.

Mr Christie also said the impact of violent video games should be examined.

On Thursday, the vice-president is scheduled to meet the National Rifle Association, the powerful pro-gun group.

In the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, the NRA advocated having armed guards at every US school.

Mr Biden will also meet representatives of Walmart, the world's largest retailer and the biggest-seller of guns in the US.

Walmart had initially declined to send anyone to the White House, but a spokesman told Reuters news agency the retailer had "underestimated the expectation to attend the meeting".

In California on Wednesday, the nation's largest teacher pension fund took the first step to divest from companies that manufacture guns and ammunition.

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